November 2007 Newsletter

Lone Mountain Animal Hospital
November 2007 Newsletter

What Toys Are Safe For Our Pets?
Because of concerns with lead paint in children's toys made in China, many pet owners are beginning to question the safety of their pet's toys as well. It is true that after some recent testing of pet toys by news agencies, lead was detected in some pet toys from China. The lead levels were lower than typically found in paint samples and deemed to be at a safe level, but it poses one to wonder.. how much lead is dangerous to pets and what are the most serious sources of exposure?

It may seem surprising, but pet toys are not specifically tested by any organization. While children's toys are under testing by the Consumer Product Safety Commission, pet toys fall into a loophole of sorts. No standards regarding heavy metal presence in pet toys have been made and no scientific studies have been completed showing how lead in toys might affect our pets.

This means that pet owners must be vigilant to ensure their own pet's safety regarding toys. Following are some important guidelines for keeping your pet's toy box safe.

a.. Do not substitute children's toys in place of pet toys.
b.. Beware of toys with squeakers that can easily removed by pet.
c.. Use toys that are size appropriate and appropriate for jaw strength of your pet. i.e. soft latex, rubber toys are easily destroyed by large breed dogs, small rubber balls can be swallowed by large dogs.
d.. Be cautious with rope or fabric toys which pieces can be chewed and swallowed.
e.. Do not give string or yarn to cats- If ingested these can lead to a string foreign body.
f.. Remember that any pet toy has its potential risks. Always supervise your pet with new toys until you are certain they will stand the test.

It is truly amazing how dogs, cats, and even ferrets can turn up ingesting everyday pet toys of all shapes and sizes! Be on the lookout for signs of foreign body ingestion such as lethargy, vomiting, and a decrease in appetite. Contact your veterinarian if you suspect you pet has swallowed all or a piece of pet toys. Tests such as blood work, x-rays or a barium study may help your veterinarian determine if the toy is the culprit for your pet's illness. For any additional questions on pet toy safety contact our doctors at 645-3116.

Pet of the Month
Congrats to "Roxie" a spunky Jack Russell Terrier that is a frequent boarding friend of ours at LMAH. Visit our website to learn more about her at www.lmah.net.

Holiday Hours
Please note our business hours during the coming holiday season:
Monday, December 24th 8am-1pm
Tuesday, December 25th CLOSED
Wednesday, December 26th 7am-7pm
Monday, December 31st 7am-5pm
Tuesday, January 1st 8am-1pm

Local Toy Drive
Join the staff of Lone Mountain Animal Hospital as we participate in 98.5 FM-KLUC's annual toy drive. This is KLUC's 9th annual Toy Drive benefiting the children of southern Nevada. We will be collecting new, unwrapped toys at our office from November 30th till December 8th. We will then transport the toys to the donation site on Saturday, December 8th. Thank you for joining us as we help share the holiday cheer!